By now, you likely know how GideonGate and the Dillon Bates scandal unfolded. But do you know about the incredibly ironic piece of legislation Bates sponsored this session?

Democrat Rep. Dillon Bates of Westbrook was accused late last year of engaging in inappropriate relationships with multiple minor girls while he was a teacher and coach at the now-defunct Maine Grils’ Academy.

Bates denies the allegations against him but has left all of his jobs — including his one at the Coliseum on the Kennebec.

While no criminal charges have been filed against Bates, from November 2017 until August 2018, the accused sexual predator was allowed to continue serving as a Representative without any investigation into his actions.

In fact, Republican Rep. Paula Sutton of Warren introduced a House Order that would have launched an investigation into Bates’ actions and the inaction of House leadership. However, four Republicans — including Minority Leader Ken Fredette and Assistant Minority Leader Ellie Espling — along with all but one Democrat voted to table the House Order.

That means not only won’t there be an investigation — but making matter worse; the swamp politicians voted to deny debate on an inquiry into the Bates scandal!

To be clear, Bates is not accused of rape — and in fact, has not been charged with any crime — but the irony is not lost.

A former Representative, who the Speaker demanded resign from office following allegations of inappropriate relationships with young girls — without the Speaker of the Swamp ever calling for an investigation — sponsored a bill ensuring investigations into sex crime allegations.

None of Bates three pieces of sponsored legislation went anywhere this, his final session as a Maine legislator.

If Bates is telling the truth of his innocence, then he has lost his livelihood and his reputation without any due process or investigation.

However, if he is indeed guilty of what he’s accused, the young victims are being denied justice because Speaker of the Swamp Sara Gideon and the rest of the House “leadership” team decided against investigating claims made against a man who sponsored a bill to ensure investigations into sexual assault allegations.